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Don’t miss this opportunity to take an active role in designing an ongoing archaeological investigation in the remote and beautiful Mongolian steppe.

The peoples of Mongolia have a long and ancient history in their land. Join the archaeological field team at IkhNart Nature Reserve investigate the story of humans in a landscape known today for its rocky outcrops. As you dig for clues to understanding the lives of these ancient people, you will be working under the direction of two expert archeologists: Dr. Arlene Rosen (Professor of Anthropology and Environmental Archaeology at The University of Texas at Austin) and Dr. Joan Schneider (retired California State Parks Associate State Archaeologist Colorado Desert District.

You will be excavating artifacts left behind by the ancient inhabitants of the IkhNart oasis as early as 9000 years ago. You will also reveal the remains of the rich plant and animal life that lived in this region before it was heavily impacted by both climate change and human populations for thousands of years.

As you engage with the past and present of these early nomadic people, you might come across ancient petroglyphs, oasis springs, and a vast array of plant and animal life such as argali (Mongolia’s big-horn sheep), ibex, gazelle, and majestic birds of prey such as vultures, eagles, and kites. And, you may even get the chance of encountering the present-day occupants of Ikh Nart – the families of the current pastoralists and their herds.

Accommodation and food

Why the research is important

Why the research is important

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia is home to the remains of thousands of years of human activities.

Help survey, chart, and plan for a major archaeological dig on a site that encompasses 6,000 years of human habitation.

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve in Mongolia is home to the remains of thousands of years of human activities. We need to know the kinds of archaeological sites, their locations, and their characteristics in order to develop a plan for conserving these fascinating remnants of human history.

The scientists have logged sites ranging from the New Stone Age (Neolithic) period about 6,000 years ago, an era marked by the domestication of herd animals, to sites from the Tibetan Buddhist period, from around the 13th century AD to 1937. Chronologically in between these are Bronze Age, Iron Age, Turkic, and Mongolian Empire sites.

The project has recorded burial features, structures, rock art, living sites, a stone tool quarry and workshop, and Buddhist monastery communities. It has also documented an array of artifacts: stone and metal arrowheads; ceramic vessel fragments from all periods; metal containers; horse trappings; a variety of stone cutting, piercing, and scraping tools; grinding implements; and metal tools and decorative items.

Help survey, chart, and plan for a major archaeological dig.

The project has already recorded 70 sites that will be registered at the Mongolian Institute of Archaeology in Ulaanbaatar, and it has found and noted the GPS locations of many more. As an Earthwatch volunteer, you’ll help the scientists investigate and mark some of these for preservation.

About the research area

Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, Dornogobi Aimag, Mongolia, Asia

Ikh Nart was established in 1996 to protect 666 square kilometers (257 square miles) of rocky outcrops in a region of northwestern Dornogobi Aimag known as Ikh Nartiin Chuluu. At about 4,000 feet (1,200 meters) above sea level, the region is a high upland covered by semiarid steppe vegetation and cold-water springs.

The flora and fauna in the research area are a mixture of desert and steppe species. Vegetation is sparse, with shrubs, scrub vegetation, and turf grasses dominating. Different plant communities can be found around oases and streams, on rocky outcrops, and in other areas. Archaeological features may date back thousands of years, and many cultural sites seem to have had continuous use up into the present day. Buddhist rock art inscriptions, burial cairns, rock alignments, and evidence of tool-making at ancient campsites used by nomadic herdsmen all dot the landscape.

Day 13: Arrive in Ulaanbaatar, cultural activities, group dinner, goodbyes

Day 14: Departure

You’ll travel to the research site by a train that goes from the taiga-covered mountains of the north, through the forest steppe and true steppe, to the semidesert steppe, giving you a chance to enjoy Mongolia’s vast landscapes that remain largely free of fences and paved roads. The journey takes about seven hours. The return trip will be by a comfortable overnight sleeper.

Once in the Ikh Nart Nature Reserve, you will:

Survey archaeological sites. Walk the reserve looking for archaeological features like the remains of buildings to discover what new sites need excavation.

Excavate. Dig in with a shovel or trowel as you learn the basics of searching for artifacts and recording your finds.

Contribute to outreach. Help think up and develop brochures, signs, and exhibits to encourage visitors and locals to help preserve the history and culture of the Mongolian people in Ikh Nart.

Log data. You'll make sure notes, drawings, photographs, and other data are carefully organized and stored for later study.

After your productive days, spend the evenings updating the data, discussing the day’s work, or planning for the next day. You may hear short talks about the research projects of others living at the camp.

Note: Field conditions and research needs can lead to changes in the itinerary and activities. We appreciate your cooperation and understanding.

ACTIVITY LEVEL

VERY ACTIVE

The Scientists

Join an international team of archaeologists in Mongolia.

MEET THE LEAD SCIENTIST

Joan

Schneider

Associate State Archaeologist, California Department of Parks and Recreation

ABOUT Joan Schneider

Dr. Joan S. Schneider manages the archaeological aspects of this project. She received her M.S. and Ph.D. degrees in anthropology from the University of California, Riverside. Recently retired from her position as associate state archaeologist, Colorado Desert District, with the California State Parks, she continues to teach and pursue her research interests. Her archaeological research focuses on the reasons why prehistoric people (particularly women) chose certain stones for tools and vessels, and how the stone chosen relates to the tasks performed or uses of the artifacts. Dr. Schneider has worked for over 20 years in the deserts of the world, including the Colorado, Mojave, Sonoran, and Negev deserts. She has conducted field research projects in Israel and in Joshua Tree and Death Valley National Parks in the U.S., as well working as an archaeological field school director for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

MEET THE OTHER SCIENTISTS

Accommodations and Food

Accommodations and Food

Stay at a modern guesthouse

Camp in traditional Mongolian gers

Traditional Mongolian food

Take a train to the field site

You’ll stay in Zaya’s Guesthouse in Ulaanbaatar, comfortable accommodations with en suite bathrooms and apartment-style housing. The guesthouse offers breakfast and has free Internet access, provides transport to and from the airport, and can help arrange excursions before or after the expedition.
The research camp lies in the heart of the project study area. At the camp, you’ll stay in tents or traditional Mongolian gers (yurts).

A cook will prepare most of your meals. We’ll generally eat breakfast and dinner together, and you’ll make your own lunch to carry into the field and eat later. In addition to Western food options, you’ll have a chance to try traditional Mongolian baked goods and evening meals, airag (fermented mare’s milk), and Mongolian barbeque.

This expedition will take you to a corner of the world that most visitors to Mongolia never see. Because of the remote location, it's nearly impossible to accommodate restrictive special diets. Please contact an Earthwatch representative if you have questions or concerns.

“Archaeologists, Artifacts, and an Awesome Experience!”

The Archaeology of the Mongolian Steppe expedition was everything I imagined, and much more! The staff goes above and beyond to make sure the volunteers are comfortable, safe, and most importantly, involved! We found hundreds of artifacts, ranging in size that fit in the palm of your hand, to burial sites, and more. Working alongside scientists from the United States and Mongolia was very surreal. You can't help but want to engage in their passion and knowledge! Every second of my experience was more than what was promised, and wonderful!

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Sally Nunneley|Wednesday, August17, 2016

“Hard Work and Good Fellowship in a Desert Mongolian Camp”

This expedition was a fascinating look into archeology in a place that is nearly out of this world.

The expedition scientists and students were an international mixture, while the support staff was Mongolian. A cheerful work ethic prevailed — and it was hard work, digging and sifting sand from a systematic pattern of excavation. I had always wondered how archeologists tell a core from a flake from a stone tool, and I learned!

We lived in communal gers, with our sleeping bags rolled out on wooden platform beds, and showered with water hauled from the nearby spring and sun-heated in plastic bags. We washed clothes using the same water and spread them on the sides of the ger, where they dried very fast. The food was very good, served family style.

Arrival and departure via Ulan Bataar and the overnight train were pleasant adventures.

In a nutshell, this was not a cushy expedition. Be aware that one has no (zero) outside communication from the camp. Be sure to read the expedition briefing with care and adhere to the packing list. You will need comfortable hiking boots and a really good desert hat that will stay on in wind. In addition to sunscreen, be sure to take moisturizing lotion. And you may be really glad for a bag of prunes or a stool softener such as Metamucil. If you need decaf coffee or tea, do take your own supply.

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